I missed last year’s annual showcase of fresh blooms in Philadelphia. Why? I was knee-deep in planning and celebrating International Women’s Day at the Athleta in Harrisburg on March 8. This year, I made it to the 2020 Philly Flower Show featuring Mediterranean royalty and exotic gardens.
Last Thursday, the perfect day with no threat of snow or cold temperatures to take the train to Philly. The only risk, the possible ripple effect of the Coronavirus. My daughter, Channing, and I supplied ourselves with swipes, hand sanitizer, and planned stops to wash our hands.
Since 1829, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) never disappoints producing eye-popping large-scaled themed displays. PHS is the largest and oldest indoor flower show in the world. This year’s theme, Riviera Holiday. Who doesn’t want to usher in spring seeing lush, dramatic Mediterranean gardens with olive and citrus trees?
Upon entry into the Philadelphia Convention Center, a heavy dose of lavender and citrus aromas. My favorite reminder that spring is imminent.
Mediterranean Royalty
Grace Kelly ties Philly to the French Riviera. A reminder that before actress Grace Kelly was Princess of Monaco. Grace was a Philadelphia native, Flower Show Exhibitor, and Judge in 1976. The Academy Award-winning actress and fashion icon captivated audiences starring in 11 motion picture performances before leaving her Hollywood career to marry Ranier III in 1956.
As Princess Grace, Kelly pursued a love of flowers that began in Philadelphia. The Flower show paid homage to the princess with a unique rose garden created by Rene Tucci on behalf of the Principality of Monaco. Tucci arranged more than 5,000 cut roses around a platform where there stands a replica of Princess Grace’s wedding gown.
No need to seek out the WOW Factor, here it is, at the main entrance, a signature arch. A towering pergola filled with thousands of assorted Mediterranean cut flowers. Those luscious blooms were dangling ushering visitors into the annual prestigious horticultural event. With so many people attending the show, I used a preview photo to capture the beauty of this display.
With over 10 acres of fresh blooms at the Philadelphia Convention Center, you know one of the first flowers of spring, tulips would have a presence. An array of every conceivable tulip color is still standing tall on day four.
An eye-popping flower arrangement, wrought iron candelabras, vibrant tableware, and fresh fruit. Who is ready for Mediterranean al fresco dining inspiration? I’ll answer, I am.
Park the Vespa next to a cute Italian cottage, quench your thirst, and chill. Are you not daydreaming yet about visiting a French villa laid out with a garden feast?
Landscaper Schaffer Designs presented “The Streets of the Five Lands.” The brightly hued display inspiration by Italy’s ancient fisherman, who painted their houses in bold and pastel colors to spot their homes quickly as they returned from sea. This design won Best in Show: Highest Scoring Floral Major Exhibit.
How about a backyard sanctuary? The annual horticultural adventure is more than just flowers, it’s educational, landscaping areas and experiences. The Philadelphia Flower Show is an excellent place to get ideas for home and garden projects,
A greenhouse, no, I say a She Shed? Move over man cave; we ladies are finding viable sanctuaries inside as well as outside the home.
Orchids, topiaries, urns, and Veuve Clicquot Champagne anyone? Is this what a flower shop sells on the coast of Southern France?
How about the Philadelphia Flower Show features more than gardens but fashions. The students from local agricultural schools design Hort Couture clothing with flowers. The above exhibitor recognized with ribbons.
My annual trek to the Philly Flower Show always includes lunch or dinner at the Reading Terminal. This year, my daughter and I opted for Maggiano’s right in Center City Philly, near the Convention Center. The off to King of Prussia for some retail therapy.
The proceeds from the week-long garden exhibit benefit the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society initiatives. Inner-city programs like PHS City Harvest, which provides locally grown, fresh produce to thousands of underserved families.
Take the Coronovirus out of the equation; see any inspiration to travel to the Mediterranean for a Riviera Holiday? Perhaps you’ve already gone to the coast of southern France. Do tell via this Facebook post or using Disqus.
As always, thank you for reading. Have a fabulous week.🌸
